cheeky
- 01 B1 Intermediate
being slightly rude or bold, but in a way that is funny or charming rather than truly mean.
impudent or impertinent in a manner that is perceived as amusing, endearing, or harmlessly bold.
Simple“The boy gave his teacher a cheeky grin after making a joke in class.”
In context“His cheeky response to the interviewer's serious question managed to break the tension and win over the panel.”
UsageOften used to describe children or playful adults.
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to describe something you enjoy as a small, often unhealthy treat, usually done quickly or without planning.
denoting an indulgence or treat, often consumed spontaneously or when one perhaps should not.
Simple“We decided to go for a cheeky burger on the way home from the gym.”
In context“After a long week of dieting, she treated herself to a cheeky glass of wine while finishing her book.”
UsageCommonly collocates with food and drink items like 'pint', 'Nando's', or 'snack'.
From cheek + -y. Compare typologically barefaced, bald-faced; Italian sfacciato (< Latin ex- + faciēs); French effronté, Italian sfrontato (< Latin ex- + frons), Polish czelny (< czoło).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.